Take a look right in front of you-that old building once buzzed with the sounds of printers inside The Freeman Newspaper. But nowadays, if you listen closely, you might just catch an echo of music drifting out the doors, as if the walls themselves are humming a tune. Welcome to the Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum, Cebu City’s own hall of musical memories!
Now, don’t worry, you don’t need to be able to carry a tune or remember how to play the triangle from elementary school to appreciate this place! The Halad Museum is all about offering a heartfelt “thank you” to the legendary musicians and composers of Cebu and the Visayas. “Halad” actually means tribute or offering in Cebuano, and this museum itself is a big, bold, loving serenade to Cebu’s past.
So let’s rewind to 2007 for a second-which, in music years, seems like forever ago! Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas, the man behind this tribute, wanted to bring back the sweet melodies and rich stories of long-forgotten Cebuano composers. Imagine this: a grand concert, filled with the soaring harmonies of the UV Chorale, honoring names like Ben Zubiri-the genius behind “Matud Nila”-or Vicente Rubi, whose “Kasadya Ning Taknaa” lights up Christmas here.
These concerts didn’t just stir up applause; they stirred up memories. Families started donating lyric sheets, instruments, even old records-sort of like a musical treasure hunt! Before long, the museum became the treasure chest itself, officially opening its doors in 2010, and expanding soon after because, let’s face it, who could resist donating a vintage guitar or a glamorous gown once worn by a famous Cebuana singer?
Inside, you’ll find three galleries, all bursting with stories. There’s the Halad Music Gallery, where original lyric sheets and beloved instruments wait quietly for the next curious visitor. There are turntables you can actually play, so you can time travel through Cebu’s soundscape, and even digital music stations for those who have misplaced their cassette tape player.
The Kinaiyang Sugbuanon section tells tales of Cebuano life-think celebrations, rituals, and all those little traditions that make Cebu, well, Cebu. One gallery even honors the founder’s parents, Don Vicente and Inday Pining Gullas, in a living legacy that stretches back to the University of the Visayas.
And if you hear a phantom melody as you walk by, don’t be alarmed. That’s just the spirit of Cebu’s music making sure it’s never forgotten. Who knew nostalgia could be so catchy?
